Wi-Fi to Go, No Cafe Needed

This is an interesting article that I found in the New York Time titled, Wi-Fi to Go, No Cafe Needed, which was published May 6, 2009. The article discusses a new product introduced by Verizon Wireless called the Novatel MiFi 2200. The Novatel MiFi 2200 is a mobile wireless hotspot, which will allow someone to surf the Internet from anywhere. The MiFi is about the thickness of three credit cards, very sleek and tiny. It has just a single power button and is obviously is a wireless device capable of holding a charge of 4 hours during use and 40 hours on standby.

Within 30 seconds of turning on the MiFi, an individual can enjoy access to the Internet from anywhere in the world. It's like a personal WiFi bubble or hotspot that follows you everywhere, within a 30 foot range. The MiFi will be available through Verizon in mid May for about $100 with a two year contract and an additional $40 to $60 a month for the service. Verizon customers can also buy a one day pass as they go, for about $15 for 24 hours, in which the MiFi then costs approximately $270. Many phone providers have similar devices, but they are much more costly and very slow. Many coffee shops, restaurants, and basically any public place these days are equipped with WiFi, but usually require a fee and somtimes even a password if you are trying to bum off someone Else's network. The MiFi converts the cellular Internet signal into an umbrella of WiFi coverage that up to 5 people can utilize. The password to access that signal is on the MiFi device itself so the all the individual has to do is give the other people the password and all are free to surf the Internet. Keep in mind that the more people downloading, the slower the speed of the Internet, but this is true for most networks let alone portable WiFi devices.

The MiFi is perfect for long road trips as one device can support a whole family. Kids and adults can use their ipod touches, iPhone, laptops, or any Internet capable device to surf the web from state to state. College students can use the MiFi in their dorm rooms, anywhere off campus, and during travel. Homes can even set up their primary Internet service through the MiFi as it is so reliable and cost efficient. The MiFi is a remarkable product, which can benefit anyone, kids looking to download some new tunes to those just looking to surf the web, maybe play some games to men and women on business trips. The MiFi's ability to operate without a power cord makes it that much more unique and beneficial. The MiFi is just a step in the direction that our future is heading towards, as new technological advances are discovered everyday.